emoval of scales

[KENELBSAK]

has anyone tried removing scales by thermal, mechanical or chemical methods?

[cody6268]

They say to heat them first. I strongly recommend it, as it prevents damaging the sockets.

I pry them off by first removing the toothpick and tweezers, then in the corner of the scale directly beneath them, I insert a watchmaker's case opener knife, pop the back socket, and then while pulling up, I slide it down the scale.